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Worcestershire MP replaces expenses row minister

A WORCESTERSHIRE MP is one of the few to have gained from the Commons expenses row having been promoted to Culture Secretary.

Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid was told of his promotion by Prime Minister David Cameron this morning.

He replaces Maria Miller who has bowed to days of mounting pressure over her expenses, announcing that she was quitting her post in order to avoid becoming a "distraction" from the work of the Government.

Mr Javid previously held the role of Treasury Minister. He has been Bromsgrove MP since 2010.

Worcester MP Robin Walker tweeted: "Congratulations to my Worcestershire colleague Sajid Javid on his appointment to the cabinet, a stellar career and a nice guy as well."

Mrs Miller was cleared of funding a home for her parents at taxpayers' expense, but was told to repay £5,800 of the expenses she claimed.

An independent parliamentary commissioner for standards later recommended she pay back £45,000 although the lower sum was approved by the Commons Standards Committee.

This prompted anger in the House of Commons with calls for changes in the way complaints against MPs are investigated.